Startup Story

Lusanda Omelo is the Managing Director of Luome Brands, a digital marketing and AI automation business in South Africa. After many years in the corporate world, Lusanda embarked on her entrepreneurial journey. With a rich background in marketing, she has worked with both multinationals and startups. Her true passion lies in helping SMMEs thrive in their environments. In her exploration of AI, Lusanda developed findaiforthat.co.za, an online AI directory featuring over 1,000 tools designed to make business tasks easier. This platform is a testament to her commitment to leveraging AI to support businesses in achieving their goals. She has partnered with various international clients to ensure that these tools are used and easily available to Africans.The business started in 2021 and has created jobs for 3 people.

LoA spoke to Lusanda Omelo about her passion for AI and her mission to help other SMMEs to build their digital presence.

What does your company do?

The company was founded three years ago with a mission to help SMMEs effectively establish their online presence. We also assist businesses in automating their tasks using AI tools to boost productivity.

“The company was founded three years ago with a mission to help SMMEs effectively establish their online presence. We also assist businesses in automating their tasks using AI tools to boost productivity.”

“We unashamedly using technology to help businesses become more efficient. We also pride ourselves on the intimate service we provide.”

What inspired you to start your company?

I have been in commercials all my career. I understand the intimidation that businesses may have in working with agencies, including the costs & sometimes the need for the business owners to have someone walk the journey with them in a more personal manner. Some of these businesses are really small and cannot afford to have resources for a big team. This is how we help them use AI tools to function effectively.

Why should anyone use your service or product?

We unashamedly using technology to help businesses become more efficient. We also pride ourselves on the intimate service we provide.

Tell us a little about your team:

Our team is small and each person specializes in their roles. Our graphic design team and tech team are the engines that make our business function. I also have our marketing assistant to help with marketing admin, she is Nigerian-based, and this once again illustrates how we can be small yet global using technology. Many functions in our business are automated.

Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?

I am a born entrepreneur. I started this journey as a youngster selling sweets and continually have taken advantage of various opportunities. This is obviously not my first venture, but I have come to understand how I can use my skills and build within context.

“Having the opportunity to implement my ideas and watch them grow gives me satisfaction, as does playing a role in moulding other businesses and seeing them thrive.”

What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?

I recently launched an AI tools directory called findaiforthat.co.za .This is part of my plan to make these AI tools easily accessible in Africa and beyond. I have been fortunate to partner with various SaaS businesses from various countries.

What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?

Having the opportunity to implement my ideas and watch them grow. Playing a role in moulding other businesses and seeing them thrive.

What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?

To just start, the idea gets better as you implement it. Remember to ask for help when you need it, we don't have all the answers.

Find out more:

Email: lusanda@luomebrands.co.za

Website: http://findaiforthat.co.za

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/luomebrands/

YouTube: https://www.tiktok.com/@luomebrands

Why LoA loves it…

AI is becoming part of our everyday lives and businesses, so it makes sense for SMMEs to tap into this technology to derive the most value and to gain any market advantage. Establishing an effective online presence is the starting point for any business, and that’s where Lusanda Omelo and her business LuomeBrands comes in, especially with her ‘findaiforthat’ offering. Lusanda and her team are practically helping SMMEs to leverage AI tools to boost their efficiency and become more competitive. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa